Seattle Postgame: O'Rourke, Mendes Updates

I will let Carlos Mendes sum up the Crew's win at Seattle because the veteran defender said it all with 22 words.

"We didn't create too much and it wasn't the prettiest game but to get out of here with a result was nice," he said following the Crew's 2-0 win at Seattle.

I will let Carlos Mendes sum up the Crew’s win at Seattle because the veteran defender said it all with 22 words.

“We didn’t create too much and it wasn’t the prettiest game but to get out of here with a result was nice,” he said following the Crew’s 2-0 win at Seattle.

Well put. Seattle held possession for 61.5 percent of the match, had 21 attempts on goal to the Crew’s 5, a 6-2 edge in shots on target and a 12-1 advantage in corner kicks but came away with bupkus on the scoreboard.

“Before this road trip, there were a lot of worries about how we were going to do because we were going to play against two very good teams who are very hot this year,” head coach Robert Warzycha said. “But we almost got three points in San Jose and we got it here. You’ve got to be proud of the guys. I’m very happy.”

With the win, the club returns home to face Chicago this Saturday suddenly riding a four-game unbeaten streak. A west coast trip to face two of the top three teams in the Western Conference had all the makings of a deflating slide, but instead the Crew comes home with four points and one last-minute goal from a pair of wins.

“I think it’s a huge confidence booster for the team and obviously a good week,” Mendes said. “ We still have to play Chicago here on Saturday at home but to come to the west coast and play two of the top teams and get a tie and a win is very good. It’s a great result and obviously we’ve still got work to do because we have a quick turnaround but we’re excited about this win.”

In its last two games, the Crew was outshot 45-14 and outshot 14-3 on goal but converted each of those attempts on net. Entering the past weekend, San Jose and Seattle were a combined 14-4-4 and sat Nos. 2 and 3 in the standings.

Those are not numbers to sneeze at.

It was not all good news at CenturyLink Field, however, as defensive midfielder Danny O’Rourke went down with what looked like a serious leg injury near the end of the first half. Warzycha said the veteran will have an MRI on Friday to assess his left ankle, which kept him out of action for three games earlier this season.

O’Rourke left the stadium on crutches.

“He’s hanging in there,” said midfielder Cole Grossman, who made his first career start. “He’s probably the toughest person I’ve ever met so he’s hanging in there.”

Shuffles: Let’s take a look at how differently the Crew lineup looked compared to what we have seen in recent weeks.

Mendes and Grossman made their first starts for the Crew, replacing Eric Gehrig and the injured Milovan Mirosevic, respectively. Kevan George made his MLS debut in relief of O’Rourke. Eddie Gaven started at forward alongside Emilio Renteria, who was benched for the entirety of Saturday’s draw with San Jose. Dilly Duka made his first start since the season opener more than two months ago.

And yet, the Crew earned the win despite Seattle holding the edge in every statistical category save for goals. Although Seattle continued to press, both Grossman and Mendes said they never felt their lead was in serious danger.

“I thought they had one really good chance at the end of the first half and one really good chance in the second half where Andy (Gruenebaum) made a great save and I think it was a foul on (Fredy) Montero,” Grossman said. “I didn’t feel like they were going to score. They definitely controlled possession and had some crosses but I never got the sense they were threatening us in a way that would’ve led to a goal.”

Debuts: Here’s what Grossman and Mendes had to say on making their debuts in the Crew starting lineup:

Mendes: “It’s great to get back in. I’ve been out for a long time so it’s been months since I really played. It’s nice to get the result. I thought physically I’m not there yet but the whole team really gave a good effort and that was the difference. Guys were tired and we had people covering for each other. The MLS is so difficult because you travel across the country, you play two games on the west coast and now we’re going back home. You need everybody in this league. Guys are stepping up and that’s a good sign that hopefully will carry us forward.”

Grossman: “At the end of the day it’s still just soccer. Whether it’s in Seattle or it’s in your backyard, it’s still the game I’ve been playing for a long, long time. We have such a good locker room, I don’t think there’s anything to be nervous about as long as everyone goes out and gives everything they have. I think we can all be accountable and look each other in the eyes after the game. Really no nerves, just excitement. I really, really believe in my ability and myself. I was just excited before the game, not nervous.”

However, Mendes entered the match with 128 career starts. Grossman learned he would be starting the day of the match.

“It’s not like I’ve known for a couple days,” he said. “I found out today that I was going to start, but because I knew Milo wasn’t playing I did try to prepare myself for the chance that I would start. Every game I mentally prepare myself for the chance that I might play. Most of my career I haven’t, but I think that’s paying dividends now. I know how to prepare myself for the game.”